Porsche 3.2 Carrera 911 represents an old Minichamp’s release that entered recently in my collection. I like the old releases from this manufacturer, not only because are representing original models, but for their superior quality and finishing as well. And the actual model did not disappointed me at all. It arrived in a typical Minichamp’s package of small dimensions, at a first sight being hard to believe that inside is a model. In comparison with the newer models isn’t very heavy, even if only the front bumper is plastic made. It looks well put together with an excellent metallic painting effect. You can spot immediately the right proportion of the body and the true height of the stance. The model presents minimal gaps between its parts but, I must make few observations here. On the door’s level, the window frames are not high enough and a space around 1 millimeter remains between it and the roof when the door is closed. Other serious problem is on the front side, where the lid is crooked and doesn’t align the bumper line when closing. I don’t know if is a general problem or only on my model. Headlights are nicely made with the light bulb inside and textured covers. For the turn signals they’ve used a translucent plastic having the right shade and only the fog lights are fixed with visible stubs. Taillights are made in the same manner of translucent plastic, realistic looking and having the Porsche lettering applied on the reflective middle part. The front logo was modeled on the lid’s surface and a legible decal was applied after. On the engine’s bonnet the air vent is looking very good, being perforated and the “Carrera” inscription is tampo applied. To replicate the buffers they’ve used a soft, rubbery plastic which gives a real note to the entire ensemble. The door handles are plastic made, developed as separate parts, very fine replicated like in the screen wipers case, too
The rims are following the original design, but aren’t great detailed. Black paint wasn’t used for the spokes, the plastic keeping its original color. The brake system is looking cheap, also, without any other detail. Brake disks are not rotating, but being not perforated, this fact is hard to be observed. Tires are feeling soft and keep the correct profile, but are not marked.
The interior is accurately and good looking. Being made all in black some details are hard to be observed. The modeled buttons and switches are there, some of them were painted or individually marked. Dial meters were replicated separately using a legible sticker. Interior is carpeted, the seats are good replicated and feature soft rubber made belts having the buckles painted in silver, not exactly what you want to see there. Door panels were nice detailed, as well .
The engine bonnet is opening on fine classic hinges and the engine bay appears to be rich in details. We have separate pieces, individually painted, some hoses and a lot of warning labels. To be honest the engine is looking better than on the newer models. For the age of the model this fact is to be appreciated and proves once again that Minichamps put more attention in the past to craft their models. Front lid is opening on the same type of hinges and in the first phase reveals a carpeted compartment. The carpet can be removed and surprise!: a lot of details are present under, replicated and painted as individually pieces: the fuel tank, the spare wheel, battery and parts of the ventilation system. A great view down there. Underneath, the engine and exhaust system are visible, together with some parts of the direction and the individual and functional suspension. Dumpers are functioning like in reality and gave a great note, lowering the stance when the model is put on a hard surface.
In conclusion, I can say that I’ve made a great choice adding this model and to be honest the asked price was for a budget model. It is featuring a lot of details and is a nice presence, definitively a great replica of a classic Porsche. I can only recommended it and I still believe is a perfect alternative to the newer replica released by AutoArt 2 years ago.
All Copyrights rest with the author. No reproduction without permission. Copyright © Play Cars- Auto models biography 2013
All Copyrights rest with the author. No reproduction without permission. Copyright © Play Cars- Auto models biography 2013